Mikes on Mic - Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower

Latest Episodes:

Inside Jacksonville’s City Council: Mike Gay on Campaign Challenges, Party Divides & Stadium Deal Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic.
This week, Councilman Mike Gay.
We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race.
Join the Mikes as they examine Gay’s lone 'no' vote on Jacksonville's massive $1.4 billion stadium deal.
They explore his practical approach to fiscal conservatism and the changes within the city’s Republican Party. Gay also sheds light on local infrastructure projects and building connections across the political spectrum.
Whether you’re a political fan or just curious about Jacksonville’s future, this conversation is full of honesty, insight, and a good dose of Mikes.
Dive in and enjoy!

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA
Connect with us on Social:
Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic
Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic
Enjoy!

Dr. Rahman Johnson on Redistricting, Race & Jacksonville’s Evolving Politics Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

This week, we chat with our dear friend, Dr. Rahman Johnson.

He’s a City Councilman, award-winning broadcaster, educator, and true Renaissance man.

Dr. Johnson shares his journey from Jacksonville neighborhoods to becoming the first person of color and the first Democrat to represent District 14 since consolidation.

He discusses running for office during a messy redistricting and navigating political divides at City Hall. His background in media, education, and the railroad gives him a unique view on leadership.

The talk gets personal, too. Dr. Johnson reflects on his Jacksonville roots, the impact of local legends like Ben Frazier, and his amazing mom. He emphasizes how community and collaboration matter more than party lines.

Whether you’re into politics, love underdog stories, or want real talk about making a difference, this episode has something for you.

Hit play and join the conversation.

Inside Jacksonville: Mayor’s Leadership, Stadium Deal, and City Council Power Plays Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Last week, we spoke with Mayor Donna Deegan. Today, we’ll break down that meeting. We’ll reflect on her leadership style, coalition building, and big wins. These include the stadium contract talks and impressive downtown growth.
We’ll also discuss the often dynamic—and sometimes dramatic—relationship between the Mayor and the Republican-led city council. A new council president is ready to take charge.
Plus, we’ll cover hot topics from a UNF poll. It shows high approval for the Mayor but growing dissatisfaction with the council. We’ll also touch on eyebrow-raising fundraising for council inauguration parties. Lastly, we’ll update you on local immigration policy debates.
And for our regular listeners, we have exciting news. As we celebrate episode 101, the show is ready for a new chapter. Stay tuned until the end!

Celebrating Mikes on Mic's 100th episode with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

The focus of Mikes on Mic has been on the city of Jacksonville. We follow the politics of the city and projects and events that affect our quality of life.

As we celebrate our 100th episode we again invited Mayor Donna Deegan to review with us all that's been done in her first two years of her administration and what she enters her third year. Join the celebration this week on Mikes on Mic.

Unpacking the latest UNF polling numbers of local politics Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

The numbers go up and the numbers go down. And sometimes it's found that the most important issues are no longer what we've seen in the past. Joining the Mikes again this week is UNF Political Science and Public Administration professor Michael Binder. Dr. Binder is also the director of the highly respected Public Opinion Research Laboratory.

The PORL has been tracking polling numbers for Mayor Deegan, the City Council and sheriff since they took office. While the latest polling numbers are quite interesting, what may surprise you is the primary issue respondents told pollsters. Join the Mikes as they unpack all this data and give their observations and perspectives on this week's Mikes on Mic.

An in-depth and often times humorous conversation with recently retired meteorologist Tim Deegan Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

This week the Mikes have a candid and often humorous conversation with Tim Deegan.
Tim discusses his 43 yrs at First Coast News, his relationships with other TV meteorologists in Jacksonville and a glimpse into the discussions with his wife, Donna, about her decision to run for mayor.

The University of Florida in Jacksonville and Firearms in City Hall Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Florida Times Union Reporter David Bauerlein joins the Mikes to discuss how the University of Florida may increase its presence in Jacksonville, thanks to major investments by both the City and private developers.
Bauerlein also weighs in on the controversial story emerging at City Hall concerning carrying firearms there.

Jacksonville's business community is booming May 26, 2025

Show notes

We're seeing cranes all over downtown Jacksonville. Construction is thriving in every part of the 844 sq miles of the city. Our population has surpassed one million residents and the seven county region is approaching two million residents.
Following all of this is 45 year business reporter Karen Mathis, Editor of the Jacksonville Daily Record. Karen takes us through the business history of Jacksonville and gives us a glimpse of Jacksonville's future.

How Politics Changed: Former Mayor Elaine Brown’s Take After Years in Office May 19, 2025

Show notes

Former Jacksonville Council member, and former Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown shares her thoughts and impressions on how politics have changed over the years of her extensive public service.
There aren't many people who can claim to have spent eight years on the Jacksonville City Council, then eight years as Mayor of Neptune Beach, and now newly appointed board member of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Elaine Brown has served our community with endless energy since first elected in 1999 as an At Large Jacksonville City Council member.
She also served as president of the City Council for one of those years. She has also seen a lot of changes in local politics and shares her thoughtful Observations, Insights and Perceptions on this week's episode of Mikes on Mic.

The evolution of the Florida Times Union between 2003 and 2025 May 12, 2025

Show notes

This week's guest on Mikes on Mic is Mary Kelli Palka, former executive editor of the Times Union. Mary Kelli joined the TU in 2003 as a staff reporter, later as Investigative Editor and finally as Executive Editor.
She talks about the challenges for a daily paper, the shrinking number of staff reporters, the changing ownership and the increasing role of online editions.
Mary Kelli's current position is Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications and Initiatives for UNF. Join the Mikes for this in depth look into local media.

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